Sick of My [Spiritual] Self

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Romans 7:15 (NIV)
For what I want to do I do not do,
but what I hate I do.

 

Count me in with Paul, Lord. I’m auto-immune–that is, my soul works against itself. I want to be all-in for you, God. Really. Show me how.

 

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Simply Do It

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Get some spiritual exercise. read your Bible and pray. Then you too can say

 

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.

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Don’t Be a [Spiritual] Couch Potato

Posted on April 24, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Psalm 1:1 (NASB)
How blessed is the man who does not 
walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers.

Are you a spiritual couch potato, cozy with the complainers, slouching with the sarcastic, mingling with the mean?

Here’s the antidote:

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

Get off the couch, get some exercise. Open that Bible!

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Short of [Spiritual] Breath

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

 

Have you been running short?

 

 

  • Short-tempered
  • Too many short cuts
  • Short attention to the hard jobs
  • Short on patience

Maybe you’re short on Bible study and prayer, short on inspiration and communication with the All-Powerful. Skip the quick fix. Take a long deep breath. 

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Shelter for the Lord’s Church

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

Hurricane Maria was hard on Puerto Rico, damaging and destroying homes, businesses and churches. Over 3000 church buildings were harmed in the storm. Those congregations need help.  American Baptist Home Missions Societies responded with money and volunteers.

 

“The Puerto Rican people—the ay bendito—known for their compassion and warmth, will rise from this adversity and welcome the world to their shore again . . . Puerto Rico, you will not be forgotten! Thanks to each of you for helping us address the needs. Please continue to give; our work has just begun.”
Dr. Eddie Cruz, ABHMS Mission Advancement and Passionary Movement

Let’s not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico.

Lord, we know that the people are your Church, not the buildings. We pray that our sister churches in Puerto Rico will worship and minister in the safe shelter of sturdy buildings. Bless their worship, bless their work. Restore and renew your Church, in Jesus’ name.

 

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The Real Thing.

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

I spend more time reading about the Bible than I do reading the Bible. How silly.

Lord, teach me to appreciate the real thing.

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Just Breathe

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

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God’s Breath

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

 

The Bible isn’t a science text or a political platform. It isn’t an investment portfolio. It’s the very breath of God. Breathe deep.

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Simply Read (with Help)

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

You never read the Bible alone.

The Holy Spirit is your helper and teacher.

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The Bible Tells Me So

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Shirlee Abbott

 

“Because the Bible tells me so.” Many of us sang these words, way back before we learned to read. But now? How often do you read the Bible?

 

  • Every day
  • Now and then
  • Hardly ever

God’s Word is at your fingertips . . . on your phone, on the internet, yes, even that book on your coffee table.

You read texts, posts, magazines, newspapers, how-to guides, novels. And there’s nothing wrong with them. But the Bible should be your go-to source for praise, wisdom, guidance and answers.

The Bible won’t “tell you so” if you don’t read it.

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